HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

Challenges with feeding dry maize silage to dairy cows Mark Willment – Technical advisor: Dairy Maize silage is a cornerstone in the nutrition of dairy cows. However, when maize silage becomes overly dry, it creates significant challenges that can compromise herd health, milk production, and overall farmprofitability. This article explores the key issues associated with feeding dry maize silage to dairy cows and gives some ideas on how to work with dry silage. The impact of dry silage: 1. Reduced palatability and intake: Dry maize silage is less palatable than properly fermented silage. As the dry matter (DM) content increases beyond 35–38%, cows may eat less due to the texture and lower moisture content. This reduced feed intake can lead to decreased energy availability and result in lower milk yields. 2. Poor fermentation and nutrient losses: Dry silage often undergoes poor fermentation. The lack of sufficient moisture inhibits the activity of beneficial silage bacteria. This results in less acid production and poor pH reduction. This weak fermentation not only compromises preservation, but also increases the risk of mycotoxin development, which can harm cow health. 3. Increased risk of heating and spoilage: Dry maize silage is more prone to aerobic spoilage. Upon exposure to air during feed-out, dry silage heats up rapidly due to yeast and mold growth, leading to nutrient degradation. Heat- damaged silage loses valuable energy and protein, and cows may refuse to eat overheated, spoiled feed. We often see this when the face of the silage pit or bun is poorly managed. 4. Digestibility challenges: The starch in dry maize silage is often less available due to incomplete kernel processing. Fibre is often higher as the plant is generally more mature if cut late. This lowers the digestibility of the silage, resulting in less efficient rumen fermentation and reduced energy extraction. 5. Ration mixing and sorting issues: Cows may sort against the dry components, Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 72